Eateries ordered to close for failing to meet cleanliness standards

PASIR PUTEH - The Kelantan State Health Department has ordered eight eateries in Pasir Puteh to close for two weeks for failing to meet cleanliness standards.

Its director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the premises were ordered to close under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983.

He added that some vendors were found placing cooking utensils on toilets, which was "shocking".

"Food premise owners who fail to comply with the order to close their premises will be considered to have committed an offence and may be charged and imprisoned for not more than five years, or fined, or both," he said in a statement today.

Dr Zaini said that during the operation, 109 notices were issued to premise owners and food handlers for various offences under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009.

Of the total, 91 notices were issued for offences under Rule 32, which is related to clothing while handling food.

The rest were for offences under Rule 33, Rule 38, Rule 32B, and Rule 11.

"A total of 52 food premises were inspected during the operation, involving 77 health department staff.

"The department is always sensitive and concerned about issues related to food safety and quality in the state," he said.

Dr Zaini advised the public especially those visiting eateries in Pasir Puteh and around the state, to choose clean eateries when dining out.